2.

0 COMPRESSION MEMBERS

2.1 Introduction and Notation

To understand better the behaviour of members subjected to axial compression forces,

a sound knowledge of compression member instability is necessary.

Notations :

Fcr = critical compressive stress

Fr = residual compressive stress
G, G' = alignment Chart Parameter
I = Moment of Inertia
K = effective length factor
KL = effective length
L = member length
Pn = nominal axial compressive strength
Pu = required axial compressive strength
r = radius of gyration
t, tw, tf = thickness of plate, web, flange
= column slenderness parameter
= width-thickness limit for compression element (non compact element)
= width-thickness limit for flexural element (compact element)
2.2 Euler Elastic Buckling Load

Recall the differential equation of an elastic curve of a beam

where M=Py

ODE

The solution of the ODE above may be obtained by the method of characteristic roots,
for which the general solution is
Applying boundary conditions (at x=0 and x=L)

This will yield to an eigenvalue equation

For a non-trivial solution to exist then B cannot be zero and

must be zero.

For the above equation to be satisfied the value inside the parenthesis are n multiples of
so that

Choosing the critical value for P with n=1

Euler's Elastic Buckling Load

In terms of stress, dividing both sides by A and taking note that

Euler's Elastic Buckling Stress

The above equation is the basis for Column Strength !!!

2.3 BASIC COLUMN STRENGTH ASSUMPTIONS (IDEAL COLUMN)
1. properties must apply thruout the section
2. No residual stress exist
3. column is perfectly straight and prismatic
4. The load resultant acts through the centroidal axis of the member until it
begins to bend.
5. End conditions must be determined so that a definite equivalent pinned
length may be established.
6. Twisting and distortion does not ocuur during bending

If some of the above conditions are not satisfied then

where

Figure 2.3.1 general stress-strain diagram for a compression test coupon

 Figure 2.3.2 Elastic buckling vs Inelastic buckling

2.4 Inelastic Buckling

Ordinary length columns buckle when some of the fibers are inelastic, having a
modulus of elasticity less than its initial value. This explains what happens in the s-e
curve.
· Basic Tangent Modulus (Engesser) - The column remains straight up to the
instant of failure and the modulus of elasticity at failure is the tangent to the
σ-ε curve.

· Double Modulus (Engesser) - The modulus of elasticity may be elastic at

the tension side and inelastic at compression side at the instant of failure
due to bending.

· Shanley Concept - Resolved the apparent inconsistencies in the above

theories and today the basic tangent modulus concept was accepted as
the correct one for inelastic buckling.
 Note : For practical purpose the increase in capacity from Pcr to Ps is neglected and
hence the Tangent Modulus Load may be considered as the critical load at which
bending begins.
2.5 Residual Stress

- explains why σ-ε curve becomes non linear beyond proportional limit.
- stresses that remains in a member after it has been formed into a finished product, it
also results from plastic deformation.
- several causes of residual stresses
· Uneven cooling which occurs after hot rolling of structural shapes
· Cold bending or cambering during fabrication
· Punching of holes and cutting operations during fabrication
· Welding

2.6 Structural Stability Research Council SSRC STRENGTH CURVES

Parabolic Equation - Basic for ASD

For

For

Initialize

Define
Set limit for

For ASD we use Cc instead of kL/r limit (This is equivalent to , for LRFD)

The basis for slenderness limit is

For ASD

For LRFD
2.7 Development of Column Strength Curves

2.7.1 RESIDUAL STRESS PATTERNS

Residual stress patterns varies depending upon the process involved in

manufacturing. Common residual stress patterns are presented below.

(a) (b) (c)

In the case of hot rolled sections where the process is normally standards in steel mills,
a linear variation may be assumed. Residual stresses arises when a material is cooled
from a high temperature. Since there is a lot of difference in the rate of cooling thruout
a body, where the rate of cooling inside the body is slower than the surface, a localized
variation in thermal contraction occurs. As a result the area where a cooling is the
fastest (free ends and surfaces) the material experiences compressive residual stress
while the area where cooling is the slowest (interiors and joints) the material
experiences tensile residual stresses.

Note : The MTS3000 – Restan is an advanced and accurate system to measure residual
stress by the hole drilling method. The hole-drilling strain-gage method has been
standardized by the ASTM E 837 “Standard Test Method for Determining Residual
Stresses by the Hole-Drilling Strain-Gage Method”
2.7.2 EXAMPLE PROBLEM

PROBLEM 6.6.2 (Refer to SALMON AND JOHNSON for complete solution)

DEVELOPMENT OF COLUMN STRENGTH CURVES FOR LINEAR DISTRIBUTION OF
RESIDUAL STRESS (Weak Axis Buckling-Neglect Web)

Given

any value

Solution (Using MathCAD Application)

a) The elastic stage is simply an Elastic Euler Curve

b) Elasto-Plastic Stage

Iterate on f=P/A from (2/3)fy to (4/3)fy

Elasto-Plastic Range

x remaining elastic

I remaining elastic

I of the x-section

E remaining elastic

P average

Fcr considering Fr

SlendernessRatio
Inelastic

SlendernessRatio
Elastic Range
 The euler elastic equation is

2.7.3 Column Strength Curves LRFD

Figure 2.7.3.1 LRFD Strength Curves

Figure 2.7.3.2 Column Strength Curves (LRFD VS ACTUAL CSC)